Sunday, June 16, 2013

~ Kitchen Make Over ~

I hope all of you had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. After a stormy wet weekend, dinner plans changed around here and I put together a new casserole recipe, I'll share with you soon. 

Watching DIY shows, pouring through Pinterest, and all of blog land can be dangerous at times. My mind seems to run in over time all the time, it's full of ideas I would love to put together. If money was no object oh the changes I could make, since that isn't a luxury for most of us, paint seems to be the answer. It can kick a project
off the ground, from there things just seem to flow. Well, most of the time anyway.
A while back I decided the paint brush and I needed to become best friends once again. Heading off to the local hardware store I purchased a gallon of paint, only after pouring over paint chips, taping them to the wall in various spots through out the kitchen. It's a large room but not a great light filled room. I knew I wanted to go on the lighter side of paint colors, with just a wee touch of gray.


This is where it all began.
I've had red in the kitchen for a very long time, over 8 years to be exact. I freshened it up a couple of years ago, going back with the same shade of red. It's not that I actually grew tired of the red, I was just ready for a change, it's time to lighten things up around here.
The cream colored hutch bounces nicely off the red walls. The blue and white plates were a thing of beauty, but on a cloudy day like today, it was very very dark.
Ta-Dah! Can you say light and bright? I love the new color, Persian Gray. When I first started painting I truly  felt that it was a bit too white, if you look closely you can see a slight hint of gray, nothing over powering.
Once you paint you "must" move things around right? OK, so it isn't a must, I really wanted to shake things up a tad. The bunny picture had hung above the fireplace for a very long time, it's now in a different location. I'll share the other side of the kitchen in another post, it would have turned into a heavy picture post.
I found this gorgeous faux orchid a while back at TJMaxx. I think it looks right at home on the mantel.


Can you say a little on the dark side? Wow! A person doesn't realize how dark things are until you take pictures and reflect while looking back through them. The bunny picture was replaced with the Shepard girl.

: BEFORE:
: AFTER : 
I'm so happy with the way it's turned out. Notice the draperies aren't up yet? I know exactly what I want, as soon as I find the fabric or some ready made, you'll be the first ones to see them. Thanks for swinging by the small kitchen makeover, I hope you enjoyed seeing the changes as much as I enjoyed sharing them.
Fondly ~ Lynne ~
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18 comments:

Beverly said...

Paint is your friend, and it looks great. You did good, Lynne.

Ginger said...

wow, what a difference a can of paint makes. I love the after, and the brightness of the room.

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Ginger, great to have you stop by. Glad you like the difference, we're sure loving it. fondly ~lynne~

ANNE said...

Looks like we're both having a lighter brighter weekend! Love the new paint colour, it's perfect!

Bonnie said...

I love your new lighter look. You did a great job.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Lynne, I love, LOVE the new color! And it REALLY brightens up the kitchen! Everything looks beautiful. XO, Pinky

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Ohhhh the power of paint. I can't believe the difference. I love it. I felt the same way when I decided to de-red my home. It was time for a change but most of all I, too, wanted light and bright. You chose the perfect color! Plz join me for my Home{work} Wednesday party this week. xxoo

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love the new color. Everything looks so pretty. Love it. Hugs, Marty

Deanna said...

Loverly!!!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Absolutely stunning, Lynne. I love it!

Stacey said...

It is so much lighter and brighter. It makes your style show through even more.

Holly said...

Lynne - Great transformation the cream really brightens up the kitchen. Hugs, Holly
http://coconutheadsurvivalguide.com/blog/

Anonymous said...

Oh, my Lynne! You certainly didn't loose your touch with the paint brush. I love the new color! Looks like a different room. I know exactly what you mean as I had a red kitchen for so long and just loved it but like you I needed a change! You do have gorgeous pieces too! You deserve a rest sweet friend.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

One Shabby Old House said...

What a beautiful room you created with the touch of your paint brush. Not that the red wasn't stunning but I love the gray. You just have a lovely home no matter what color you painted your walls. Enoy!
Hugs
Becky

Patty Rumaker said...

The lighter paint color really does lighten everything up, it makes your space look larger. I just found your blog through The Everyday Home and I am now following you on bloglovin. I would love for you to stop by my blog sometime.
Thanks, Patty

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Hi Lynne! I also have a red kitchen and office..and though your new color is nice..I can't give up my lovely red. One day..but not for a long time. Even then I don't know what color I would choose. I have "Haystack" by Laura Ashley and I love it. Your new color is crisp and clean looking and very nice. A change is always good. Lovely!! :)

Unknown said...

Where did you get your hutch? Having such a hard time finding one may have to just kill the dream :-/

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Christina, the hutch is made by Ashley, I'm sure any top furniture store would be able to get it in for you, if it's still available. I've had mine for about 6 or 7 years now, I got it at the furniture store I used to work for... best of luck trying to find one similar. Don't kill your dream darling, keep searching.. if I run across a source, I'll be sure to pass on the information. fondly ~lynne~